Aging with Independence and Innovation: Jennifer Cain Birkmose on the Future of Senior Care

In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, host Michael Passmore discusses senior care innovations with guest Jennifer Cain Birkmose. Jennifer, a pioneering entrepreneur and global health leader, co-founded Viva Valet, a concierge-style service aimed at helping seniors live independently at home for as long as possible. The platform offers comprehensive services including in-home adjustments, technology integration, and safety checks. The episode touches on Jennifer’s methodologies, such as using ethnographic research and involving seniors in beta testing, to ensure user-friendly design. Additionally, Jennifer shares insights from her role as a UN advisor on aging and technology and emphasizes the importance of respect, agency, and social connections in senior care. The conversation concludes with a vision for the future of aging, highlighting the expected societal shifts as the senior population grows.

Check out Jennifer's senior's care & support services at Viva Valet https://www.vivavalet.com

00:00 Introduction to the Neurostimulation Podcast

01:38 Meet Jennifer Cain Birkmose: Innovator in Senior Services

04:26 The Viva Valet Platform: Revolutionizing Senior Independence

06:25 Challenges and Solutions in Senior Care

11:16 User Experience and Technology Integration

27:00 Combating Fraud and Ensuring Safety for Seniors

33:55 Global Advocacy and Future Directions

38:24 Understanding Customer Needs and Bridging Gaps

38:46 Resources and Initiatives at Viva Valet

39:43 Global Aging and Cultural Commonalities

40:24 The Importance of Agency and Independence

44:04 Aging with Reverence and Play

45:19 Improv and Its Impact on Older Adults

54:48 Future Predictions for Aging by 2035

01:01:55 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

01:08:13 Podcast Outro and Call to Action

Understanding tDCS: Neurophysiological Insights and Clinical Applications | Neurostimulation Podcast

In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, hosted by Michael Passmore, we delve into Chapter 5 of the 'Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation.' The episode explores how tDCS modulates neurophysiological and functional outcomes. We discuss the neurophysiological principles behind tDCS, including various methods like TMS, EEG, fMRI, and PET for measuring its effects. The importance of state-dependent neuromodulation and personalized treatment through computational modeling is also highlighted. Finally, the episode examines the clinical implications of tDCS in conditions like stroke recovery, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. Tune in to understand how tDCS is shaping neuroscience and clinical practices.

00:00 Introduction to the Neurostimulation Podcast

00:47 Exploring Chapter Five of the tDCS Textbook

01:52 Understanding Neurophysiological Outcomes

02:34 Tools for Measuring tDCS Effects

03:41 Regional and Network Effects of tDCS

05:16 State-Dependent Neuromodulation

06:36 Modeling and Personalized Treatment

07:23 Connecting Brain Changes to Behavior

08:19 Challenges and Clinical Implications

09:07 Conclusion and Future Directions

Exploring Advanced Applications of tDCS: Beyond the Brain

In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, Dr. Michael Passmore continues exploring transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) based on 'The Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation.' He discusses the expansion of DC-based neuromodulation beyond traditional brain applications to the spinal cord and cerebellum. The episode covers three primary targets of DC stimulation: tDCS, cerebellar DC stimulation, and transcutaneous spinal DC stimulation (tsDCS). Additionally, Dr. Passmore delves into electrode setup, clinical applications, home-based treatments, and the challenges and future directions of this evolving field. Tune in to learn about the potential transformative impacts of these techniques on neurological and psychiatric care.

00:00 Introduction to the Neurostimulation Podcast

01:17 Exploring DC-Based Neuromodulation

02:34 Understanding Electrode Design and Placement

03:27 tDCS: The Most Researched Form of DC Neurostimulation

04:14 Cerebellar DC Stimulation: Beyond Motor Control

06:07 Spinal Cord Stimulation: tsDCS Applications

07:08 Home-Based Applications and Safety Considerations

08:11 Clinical Applications and Case Highlights

09:05 Challenges and Future Directions in DC Neuromodulation

11:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts